Not unlike a large majority of the
agriculturists in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, Mr. Drouillard took up his
residence here after he had gained considerable experience and means in
other lines of activity. In various parts of the state he had followed
mining for a considerable period since the year 1884, and unlike many
who follow that precarious calling he was very successful in the
undertaking. Upon giving this up, however, he came to Sonoma county and
near Santa Rosa purchased the beautiful forty-acre ranch that is his
home today.

In Marion county, Iowa, Joseph W. Drouillard was
born November 2, 1849. While he was almost too young to remember much of
his early home, his parents made ready to cross the plains to
California, the gold fever still attracting many to the state, the elder
Mr. Drouillard being among the number. The year 1855 found them in
Hangtown (now called Placerville), the father engaging in mining there
for about a year, after which he gave it up as unprofitable, and
instead, engaged in the stock business in Tulare county. This
necessitated going to Los Angeles for cattle, which he would drive north
to fatten, after which he would take them to the mining localities and
sell them.

The education of Joseph W. Drouillard was begun
and completed in San Jose, after which he became interested in the stock
business with his father. A desire to try his luck at mining led him to
discontinue the stock business and thereafter for thirty years he
followed mining continuously. After an experience in Nevada and Arizona
he was engaged in the Yellow Aster mines in Randsburg, Kern county,
Cal., going there as mill superintendent in 1884, and leaving there
seven years later to become superintendent of the Gaylord Bish mines in
Inyo county. While in that county he also purchased a ranch, but as it
was done more as an investment than with the idea of making his home
upon it, he disposed of it when a good opportunity offered. Later he
went to Haywards, Alameda county, and purchased property, but six months
later he disposed of this also, and it was then that he came to Sonoma
county and purchased the ranch which has been his home ever since, four
miles northeast of Santa Rosa, on Calistoga street and St. Helena road.
The ranch comprises of forty acres of which fourteen acres are in
grapes, two acres in prunes, one acre in small fruit, and about six
acres in corn. It is Mr. Drouillard's intention to enlarge his orchard
from time to time, and if his present plans are carried out he will
plant eight additional acres to prunes and apples. Another ambition of
the owner is to embark in the poultry industry, and judging from the
success which he has had in his undertakings thus far his success in
this undertaking is assured also.

In 1872 Mr. Drouillard was united in marriage
with Frances M. Woods, a native of Illinois, the daughter of Abel and
Sarah Woods, the former of whom passed away in California, and the
latter now a resident of Los Angeles. The eldest of the three children
born to Mr. And Mrs Drouillard is William F., born in Modoc county,
Cal., in 1884; he is filling the position of superintendent of the
Electric Light and Power Company on the Owens river. Paul, born in Modoc
county in 1887, is employed in the oil-well district in Kern county.
Joseph W., Jr., born in Inyo county in 1892, is employed on the Southern
Pacific Railroad. In national issues Mr. Drouillard casts a Republican
ballot, but in local matters is governed by the qualifications of the
candidate for the position. As the choice of his fellow-citizens while
in Inyo county he filled a number of positions, among them justice of
the peace, deputy sheriff and postmaster. While he was a resident of
Modoc county he became affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, passed through all the chairs of his lodge, and was further
honored by being sent as a representative to the grand lodge.

Source:History of Sonoma County, California
Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who
Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development from the Early Days
to the Present
History By: Tom Gregory
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California (1911)